service
SUR-vihs
Service (noun) means Work done to help or benefit someone, or the act of providing this. Example: “The hotel is known for its excellent service.”
noun
1
Work done to help or benefit someone, or the act of providing this.
"The hotel is known for its excellent service."
"He devoted his life to public service."
"The shop is proud of its friendly and helpful customer service."
2
Work carried out for the armed forces.
"Her grandfather saw active service during the war."
"He left school early and began his service in the navy."
"After her years of service, the pilot retired with great respect."
3
A system that supplies something the public needs, such as transport, water, or electricity.
"The bus service was cancelled due to the strike."
"The new train service makes it easy to get into town."
"Our village lost its water service for a few hours yesterday."
4
A religious ceremony, especially in a church.
"They attend a Sunday morning service every week."
"The whole village gathered for the evening service at the old church."
"She sang in the choir during the Christmas service."
verb
1
To maintain or repair a vehicle or machine.
"I need to get the car serviced before the long drive."
"The mechanic services the boiler once a year to keep it safe."
"We had the lawnmower serviced before the grass started growing again."
How to use service
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHelp or work provided to others, or the maintenance done on a machine.
Common pairings
customer service
military service
church service
service the car
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Word forms
- Plural
- services
- Third person singular
- services
- Past tense
- serviced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The hotel is known for its excellent _____.
Etymology
From Old French servise, from Latin servitium ("slavery, service"), from servus ("slave, servant").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
disservice
antonym(s) of
Related words
Rhymes for service
See all rhymes for service →Frequently asked questions
What does “service” mean?
The word “service” means work done to help or benefit someone, or the act of providing this. In plain terms, help or work provided to others, or the maintenance done on a machine.
How do you pronounce “service”?
“Service” is pronounced SUR-vihs (/ˈsɝvɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “service” in a sentence?
Here is “service” used in a sentence: “The hotel is known for its excellent service.”
What is another word for “service”?
Words with a similar meaning to “service” include attend, wait on, go to bed with and sleep with.
What is the opposite of “service”?
The opposite of “service” — its antonyms — is antonym(s) of.
What part of speech is “service”?
Depending on how it is used, “service” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “service” come from?
The word “service” comes from Latin. From Old French servise, from Latin servitium ("slavery, service"), from servus ("slave, servant").
Is “service” a common word?
“Service” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a service and a product?
A product is a physical, tangible good you can own and keep, like a phone or a chair. A service is intangible work performed to help you, such as a haircut, repair, or advice. You take home a product; you experience a service as it's provided.
What are the main types of service?
Service takes many forms: customer service that helps buyers, public services like healthcare and transport, professional services such as legal or financial advice, and food or hospitality service. Each involves work done to benefit someone rather than delivering a physical product.
Why is good service important?
Good service builds trust and loyalty, turning first-time customers into repeat ones. It shapes how people feel about a business, often mattering more than price. Helpful, reliable service solves problems, creates positive word of mouth, and sets an organization apart from its competitors.
What is an example of a service?
A restaurant meal involves service: staff take your order, prepare the food, and bring it to your table — work done to benefit you. Other examples include a plumber fixing a leak, a bank processing a payment, or a teacher giving a lesson.
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